In the heart of the Czech Republic, a quiet revolution is taking root. Roboton, a pioneering agritech company, has developed the Roboton Farmer, a fully electric, autonomous field robot designed to transform row crop production. This innovative machine is engineered to perform a range of tasks with minimal human intervention, promising to enhance efficiency and sustainability in agriculture.
The Roboton Farmer is a versatile tool that handles soil preparation, precision seeding, weeding, and targeted irrigation. All operations are guided by GPS or vision-based systems, ensuring high repeatability and low energy consumption. The robot’s ability to handle more than one task per day is a significant leap forward, as it autonomously selects and switches tools based on the crop plan. This capability is made possible by a standardized 3-point hitch and smart connector interface, allowing seamless transitions between tasks.
One of the standout features of the Roboton Farmer is its ability to autonomously dock to refill its water tanks for irrigation. When equipped with a UR robotic arm, it can manage carried tools for precision operations such as localized watering or weeding. The robot continuously monitors weed growth and reacts immediately when needed, mechanically weeding without the use of chemicals. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also ensures healthier crops.
The Roboton Farmer supports a variety of validated implements, including cultivator blades, a rotavator, and wide-row seeders. Each implement is preconfigured in the system with task-specific parameters, ensuring optimal performance. The company is continually expanding its list of compatible tools based on demand and compatibility, promising even greater versatility in the future.
Powered by solar panels, the Roboton Farmer can operate for extended periods without interruption. It features fully automated charging and watering stations, enabling multi-day unattended operation in the field. The robot’s modular chassis supports adaptation for various tools and missions, allowing for independent servicing or upgrading of key modules. This flexibility ensures that the machine can evolve alongside the farm’s needs.
The Roboton Farmer is equipped with a fully electric dual-track drivetrain, delivering high traction and stability. This configuration reduces ground pressure, minimizing soil compaction and preserving soil structure. The track system also ensures reliable performance in soft or uneven terrain, making the robot adaptable to various field conditions.
Navigation is another area where the Roboton Farmer excels. It integrates a hybrid navigation system that combines dual RTK-GNSS for centimeter-level precision with machine vision and LIDAR-based obstacle detection. This setup enables safe, repeatable, and fully autonomous field operations. In challenging environments where GNSS signals are weak or disrupted, the robot switches to visual odometry and AI-powered object detection for spatial orientation. This fallback mode is currently undergoing testing to enhance the robot’s robustness.
Currently, the Roboton Farmer is being piloted on two farms in the Czech Republic. The company expects broader availability in 2026, both for sale and as part of lease or service agreements. Michaela Slavíček, Chief Marketing Officer at Roboton, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s future plans. “Our initial focus is on the Central European market, but we’re open to discussions with partners and farmers from other regions. Expansion to additional locations is possible based on mutual interest and deployment conditions.”
The implications of the Roboton Farmer’s development are far-reaching. Its adaptability has attracted interest from research institutions, tech providers, and agri cooperatives. Some are exploring its potential in orchards or specialty crops, while others are looking into integration with AI crop monitoring or renewable energy systems. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, the Roboton Farmer stands as a testament to the power of innovation in enhancing sustainability and efficiency in farming practices.